If you want to see some interesting examples of Canarian architecture, then take a stroll around the little known village of Teseguite.
General Information
Situated behind the volcano of Guanapay, which sits above Teguise, Teseguite is the rural little sister to the former capital. The village meanders down the hillside and is a typical rural village, with lots of land still dedicated to cultivation. You will see fields of onions and vines.
Canarian Architecture
If you enter the village from Teguise, take the first right hand turn by the church (into Calle San Leandro) and drive up the hill to see an impressive example of a restored finca. This is one of the only two storey fincas you will see on the island, with a classic Canarian gallery.
It has been carefully restored, so that original features such as the aljibe (water deposit) – with an arched volcanic stone roof – is being used as an integral part of the house.
There is an inner courtyard with a staircase up to the upper floor which has a pan-tiled roof. The garden has been completely enclosed with a high volcanic stone wall – much of which is of the same age as the house. The inner patio and the walled garden are testimony to how strong the wind can be in this part of the island, as it comes over the cliffs at Famara with nothing in its path until you reach the village.
Walks
Teseguite is also a good place to have a walk if you like the panoramic vistas the island has to offer. Take the dirt track at the end of Calle San Leandro (the street with the church on the corner and the palm tree in the middle of the tarmac) and you can walk up Guanapay.
Half way up the volcano there is a large plateau which extends out to the south. From here there are incredible views down to the southern coast, taking in Costa Teguise, Arrecife, across towards San Bartolome and the volcanic region beyond.
Native Flowers
In the spring, this part of the hillside is covered in daisies, poppies and Canarian stock. The hillside is a popular hunting ground between August and December, so you may occasionally see packs of podencos (a Canarian breed of dog, similar in shape to a greyhound) and their owners’ hunting rabbits. The hill is also a popular nesting spot for wild geese and other protected birdlife.
Castillo de Santa Barbara
If you want a slightly more strenuous climb you can continue upwards to the top of Guanapay, where the Santa Barbara castle is situated. This lookout gives you 360º views and illustrates perfectly why it was of such strategic importance to the inhabitants in the past, when pirates used to regularly raid Lanzarote. You can visit the castle while you are there and find out more about these marauders and their impact on the island.
Pirate Museum
The castle used to house an interesting exhibition documenting the emigration of locals during the years after the volcanic eruptions. It charted the countries people fled to and explained how some former inhabitants founded the cigar industry in Cuba. However, two years ago, the museum´s main focus was changed to documenting the numerous invasions of Lanzarote by pirates.
Atelier
The village of Teseguite is also home to two German artists, who open their studio to the public between Monday and Friday. Situated on the main road, you won’t be able to miss the gallery, as there is a life size statue painted a deep blue seated on the wall outside. They have original works of art for sale, from greetings cards to pottery and full size paintings.
The studio is another example of a restored Canarian finca, with its interlinked courtyards, gallery, workshop and living spaces.
Strolling round the back streets of the village, you will notice a number of old fincas in the process of being restored or already finished. If you are tempted, there is even one for sale in this village, with many original features, such as heavy wooden doors, beams and fireplaces.
In addition, the village is home to a number of donkeys, who work the local fields, so don’t be surprised if you hear a lot of braying as you stroll around.
As you leave the village and drive on towards Guatiza you will pass the turning to the village of El Mojon, another sprawling rural village.